WHERE is the Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard on the issues at the Deebing Springs development site at Deebing Heights?
Ms Howard seems to be the Member for developers’ companies and other site attendees.
Work on the site has shown a lack of respect for the Jarjumbah Protector’s belongings, alleged safety breaches and other laws allegedly being breached.
Builders leaving the Aboriginal flag on the ground on National Sorry Day was disgraceful.
There are many marked artefacts on the site that could be getting broken or misplaced by developers that hold significance to the people of the land and those connected to the Deebing Creek Mission, not to mention contributing to the history already evident in our Australian and Queensland libraries and in articles and essays.
History is being erased.
The facts are:
Human remains were reported to be unearthed in the creek bank within the cemetery reserve.
Indigenous families are worried about up to 230 aboriginal graves on the site.
The site includes links to Neville Bonner, Australia's first indigenous parliamentarian, Lloyd McDermott, the first indigenous man to play for the Wallabies and King Billy Turner, whose traditional breastplate is in the Queensland Museum.
The wreckage of decades of history on a once sacred heritage ceremonial ground dating back to the 1700s is evident.
Evidence of the cultural significance of the land is found in historical articles, newspapers, libraries, published books, universities, essays, online articles and Facebook posts.
There is evidence of recent (previous five years) daily use of the land and knowledge of its importance.
Trees have been removed, some nationally protected such as the Melaleuca tree which holds health properties. Fauna has been displaced.
The Jarjumbah garden and nursery was destroyed. There was abundance in freshly grown fruits and vegetables there. The buildings used for workshops, for cooking, healing, crafting, history and dreamtime teachings and community work, inclusive activities and events were demolished.
And the State Government talks of a Path To Treaty?
- RALDA MILFORD, Collingwood Park